The San Antonio Symphony (SAS) just announced that Karina Bharne has been appointed as the Interim Executive Director, effective immediately. In addition to management of orchestra operations, Bharne will lead the administrative staff of the symphony under the Symphony Society of San Antonio (SSSA).

Bharne served as the Vice President and General Manager of SAS from 2014-2017 and before that, had been the Director of Orchestra Personnel from 2011-2014. She has also served as the Manager of Orchestral Operations for the Aspen Music Festival and School, and prior to coming to San Antonio, worked for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. This past summer, she joined the Goh Ballet Academy in Vancouver as the Managing Director of Operations. Bharne holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Trombone Performance as well as a Master of Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University.

"We are immensely excited to have Karina return to lead our organization through this transitional period," remarked Kathleen Weir Vale, SSSA's Board Chair. "I have no doubt that her knowledge of the Symphony combined with her experience, ability, and passion will successfully pave the way into next season and beyond."

The Chair of the Orchestra Committee, Craig Sorgi, stated, "The Musicians of the San Antonio Symphony were very pleased to learn of the return and appointment of Karina Bharne as Interim Executive Director.

Karina brings a knowledge of the profession as well as years of experience in several key orchestra management positions. The added plus of Karina's appointment is her previous experience with the San Antonio Symphony and her deep knowledge of the community. We look forward to Karina's return and to working closely with her as we all strive to build on the momentum and potential that our recent events have created."

"I am honored to take on this role and look forward to working closely with the board, musicians, and staff to get the San Antonio Symphony to a place where it is stable," remarked Bharne. "I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that this season has been especially difficult for our patrons, musicians, and staff. I will work tirelessly alongside all members of our symphony community to put the organization on a path where it can experience organic growth more in line with that of our city."

The San Antonio Symphony is a non-profit performing arts organization with the mission to inspire and enrich our community by vigorously influencing the artistic fabric of San Antonio through excellent symphonic performance, education and service. The San Antonio Symphony, with more than 70 professional musicians, serves over 130,000 people per year including over 40,000 students. For more information about the Symphony visit www.sasymphony.org or connect with us on Facebook (San Antonio Symphony), Twitter (@Sasym), Instagram (@Sasymphony)